The Ugly Pink Shelf

I found this little shelf at an antique store.  It's a perfect little size.  I placed the finished version in our bedroom in my reading corner and loaded it with decorating books.  Now I just need a little time to kick back and read!

BEFORE

AFTER 

Inlaid Desk

I found this desk at  Goodwill in need of a little TLC.  A little work, the addition of some unique brass handles and it's beautiful.  I was going to sell it but I think it may stay with us for awhile.

BEFORE

                              

AFTER

Monkeys

Monkeys

Aren't these GREAT? My husband, sons and friend gave me an odd look when I showed them my favorite treasure of the day but I know there are those of you who will appreciate these little guys. They are very heavy and so unique!

The "French" Desk

I found this little desk at a local thrift store and decided it was a great piece to adopt and give a new home and life.

I decided that it needed a little personality and since my youngest son is a French student, I decided to give it a little French twist. I painted it black and finished the top with a golden color."

Translated, the top of the desk says ( And I hope I remember this correctly!)...

"One day a lady who loved her two sons very much found a little desk. She painted the desk and secretly wrote that she loved her sons very much. Her sons laughed at her painted desk until they realized it was an expression of her love for them. Then they loved the desk too."

I refinished the handles as well. I think it turned out great. I've kept it in my living room/dining room combo. It's the perfect spot for a small accent piece like this.

See other transformations by the talented bloggers you'll find posting to Metamorphosis Monday at

 Between Naps on the Porch

Take a look at my blog list as well.  What a creative group of people!

Murray Man

This is an pencil sketch I did one evening. I reminds me of a kitty we once had. Murray Man was a sweetie and died recently of old age (and having his old kitty-butt kicked by a local Tom cat on a regular basis!)

I found this stained glass room divider at my favorite consignment shop, Then and Again. It's beautiful but I can't seem to find a good place for it in our home. I'm looking for a new home for it. Hopefully somewhere I can visit??

Monkeys

 $120

for the pair

Screened Porch Staging

A Realtor recently asked me to stage a screened porch of a beautiful lake house. It had white wicker furniture and some neat features but she wanted it to be a little more inviting. As always, my goal is to spend as little as possible to create the most dynamic room that will appeal to a buyer. Here is the "before" shot. Note the driftwood pterodactyl flying by the chain on the far end of the room! Quite a find but not exactly what we wanted in the room.

Here's the AFTER shot. I was tempted to cover the chair cushions but instead, I just built on the green and rose color palette. I found the rose and green pillows at Goodwill for $1 or so each. The tablecloth is actually a Shabby Chic drapery panel I found for $1. The mirror came out of a house I recently staged. (see the photo below for the original version) I simply primed it with Kilz spray paint and then gave it a coat of ivory.

The porch AFTER shot. And below you'll see the initial version of the mirror.

I added a simple tablescape using green, pink and white dishes.

And then sat in the rocker and enjoyed the view for a while! Did I mention the gardens?

Take a look!